Image: Aylestone Meadows Local Nature Reserve - the Spearwort Fields - geograph.org.uk - 441764

Description: Aylestone Meadows Local Nature Reserve - the Spearwort Fields According to the sign on the gate: Wet floodmeadows like these used to be common along the river valleys in Leicestershire, but are now becoming rare. Because they have had very little pesticide or fertilisers added to them, they support many unusual wildflowers and other species. They have been managed by cattle grazing in summer and flooding in winter for many years, perhaps for centuries. The meadows are grazed by the City Council's own herd of Longhorn cows. These are a traditional Leicestershire breed which were very popular in the 18th Century. They are hardy and thrive well out-of-doors on rough grassland like these meadows.
Title: Aylestone Meadows Local Nature Reserve - the Spearwort Fields - geograph.org.uk - 441764
Credit: From geograph.org.uk
Author: Mat Fascione
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